Third Eye: Turnout trends, ticket denials, and broken promises in LS polls

Turnout & Data Drop
While the voter turnout reduction in both phases of the Lok Sabha elections intrigues everyone, election data specialists and reporters are puzzled by another enigma. It is unclear why the poll panel has not provided the final aggregate voter turnout figures for Phase 1 and 2 with gender breakdown as usual.

Denial of Party Ticket
Two MPs have died since the election began. Incidentally, both were denied tickets. Hathras BJP MP Rajveer Singh Diler died of cardiac arrest. Ganeshamoorthy, DMK MP from Erode Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu, was denied ticket in March. He was distraught and tried suicide. He passed away in the hospital while receiving care.


Breaking Poll Promises
Politicians are accused of breaking commitments after being elected. Navneet Rana, an Independent MP from Amravati, was criticised by tribals in March for distributing low-quality sarees. Her opponents now say that Rana has been underpaying rally attendees. Her adversaries are posting videos of rallygoers alleging that they were underpaid.